I have been in the market for a Framing Nailer for two months. Tested a number of units including Porter Cable, Senco, Bostitch, Paslode and more. This Hitachi NR90AE beat them all for weight, balance, easy loading, jam free operation, depth adjustment and trigger selection.
br /This unit has all the features of the more expensive Hitachi Units, but appears to be lighter weight. As with most nailers, there is no standard case included, and for some reason Hitachi chooses not to include the standard 3/8" NPT connector.
br /Hitachi has also made a small mistake in its packaging for this tool. Nowhere on the box does it inform you of the angle of the nails used in this nailer. It uses 21 degree plastic collated full-round-head stick nails.

I bought this nailer to frame and deck a 24x35 shop. It has worked flawlessly without a single misfire while driving a couple thousand nails. I shot 2" - 3 1/2" nails and all fed smoothly and drove in cleanly. The tool-less depth of drive feature is nice, but I found it just as easy to adjust the air pressure depending upon what length nail I was using. It's light and well-balanced. The only problem I had was self inflicted; the nailer fell off a 10' wall and landed square on the rear cover. Afterwards, it would not work, so I disassembled it to find a crack inside the cast aluminum exhaust housing. The replacement was ~$27, but it took two weeks to get in. It's been dropped from the roof and attic space of the shop (12'+) a couple of times since without incident, so I'll chalk the first failure up to bad luck. The repair guy that sold me the replacement exhaust cover informed me that Hitachi was their best performing nailer (they also carry paslode, senco, and one other brand) and he could not give me any negatives. A wish list item for Hitachi would be a "stud hanger" that you could use to hang the nailer on while working above ground. Without one, you're subject to put it in precarious positions and it's subject to fall. :-)

I purchased this item recently and have used it for about 4 weeks in a commercial construction environment. It has performed well without problems as anyone would expect of an industrial tool such as this. There are some nice new features over the N83 worth mentioning. 1) The gun load from the rear as opposed the old top loading mechanism. This is faster and can be done with the gun in any position even upside down. 2) The depth adjustment is done with a nob next to the trigger which is new to hitachi and it works well. For those familiar with the Bostich fence nailer it works the same way. 3) The gun can be set to either bounce trigger or single fire. This setting is changed with a small lever just the to the left of the trigger.
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br /Lastly this gun is very quiet compared with others I've used. My only complaint is that it is fairly heavy compared with my Magnesium Framed PC. The tradeoff of course, is that the mag framed guns are not as tough though I had several years of service from it.

As a carpenter/contractor I get to use a many different kinds of tools each day. This gun unlike some I've used has the feel of power when you pull the trigger, as all Hitachi's do.It has worked superb never misses a shot,no jambs, and liteweight. The ONLY reason I gave it a 4 is that Hatachi should attach from factory a skyhook. Which I had to buy aftermarket. Buy the gun you won't be disappointed.

I bought this gun a couple of months ago and waited until i had shot approximately 5-6000 nails of different lengths to leave feedback. I use my pnuematic nailers for crating, and the framing nailer mostly to block and brace cargo into international ocean shipping containers. The containers have a 2" thick oak floor i shoot the nails through various stock into the flooring. this gun sinks 3 1/2" nails into the flooring like it was shooting into soft pine!
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br /With previous guns (bostitch Rigid), i ran into a problem with the 8 penny nails getting jammed when you insert 2 strips of nails. I was waiting for this gun to have the same problem but have not had it happen so far. Also, i am still waiting for my first nail jam, because that has not happened yet either.
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br /This tool is so well made and works so well, it is a pleasure to use and i look forward to a job when i can pull it out of the box. It is very light sturdy and the nail magazine is very well tooled made.
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br /After reading Amazon recommendations, i purchased the worm gear hook with it when i ordered and i'm glad that i did. I am also dumbfounded by the ill reviews given to this gun's sister that shoots clipped head nails.
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br /If you are reading reviews and wondering about this gun, it would serve you well to buy it.

This is my third framing nail gun. I've owned two others a Campbell H and a Porter Cable. As to the Campbell, well, it simply didn't hold up. After about 4 re-habs and a deck, it kept jamming to the point where I'd only be able to shoot about 100 or so nails. The Porter Cable was better, but I found it heavy and the pull back kept slicing my fingers when I'd reload it. After about 6 months it started jamming up as well.
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br /Enter the Hitachi. Light weight and easy on my hands (the pull back is large and makes loading easy). It delivers consistenly and if it does jam (happend only twice so far).. its my fault... i.e. bad nail strip.
br /The step up in quality is not that expensive, but, I can guarantee you that after a few nail jams, you'll be wishing that you went with the quality instead of the price.. Nothing is more frustrating than to have your work progress stopped by a faulty tool. A nail jam can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes to clear. My time and my frustration level was worth paying the extra $70 - $100 for the Hitachi.
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br /Notes: Buy a 3/8 connect and a nipple. Also buy a case for it, you can find soft bag cases for decent prices on-line.
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br /Bottom line - Pay the extra for the quality and you'll get it back in productivity.
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br /UPDATE - 07/24/08 - This gun continues to impress me.
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br /Just finished a roof where I used two separate nail sizes. I used 3 inch nails to replace and repair the joists and studs. I also used 2.25 inch nails to lay down the plywood sheets. The gun will let you quickly and easily switch these out, and will "hold" the nail strip for you as you remove it.
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br /You might not think so, but, this is a great help. With all nailers, you need two hands to "unlock" the strip and then turn the gun to slide it out. Other guns, would then let the strip fall out and hit the ground. Damaged strips / dropped strips = bad nails.
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br /The Hitachi will let the nail strip loose of the "pusher", but the side lock with catch the strip for you , thus saving it from hitting the ground. You can then use one hand to get the strip and then insert your other size.
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br /So, again, this is another plus for the Hitachi.
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br /NOTE: - Buy the Hitachi nails with the glue tips, great holding power.
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I purchased this nailer for use in framing my basement, I just finished this project. No problems, the nailer is lightweight, the nails (also by Hitachi) are available in my local home center in several sizes, also galvanized. I had one jam (after going through ~1500 nails so far - it was my fault, I loaded a new strip of nail when a single nail from the previous strip was left in the nailer and shifted during loading. The plastic pieces of which hold together the nail strip fly all over the place while shooting, so safety glasses are essential. It needs oil (I put 10 drops in every day before use). Depth regulation is easy, but seldom needs adjustment. I do not particularly like the styling (but members of the generation that grew up on Transformers and such will probably like it). I prefer the more restrained and functional styling of the previous generation of Hitachi products (I have a stapler and a brad nailer)

got my hitachi nail gun due to bad wrist. best darn investment i made built my garage in nothing flat didnt even break a sweat hind sight is 20-20 wish i would of bought this a long time ago no misfires or jams looking foward to building house barn dog kennel fence and whatever else comes along just an easy tool to use. (sweet)

I am finishing my basement (with much, much help from my Father-in-law). He recommended we buy a framing nailer (he's going in halvers), and the local home store strongly recommended this one.
br /I may never hold a hammer again! This is the most amazing tool I think I've ever owned. It has made a tedious, timely process move as smooth as silk.
br /We are using a small, cheapo Craftsman "hot-dog" compressor, and the nailer doesn't seem to be putting too much stress on it, though we're not fast. (I am considering a new air compressor now. Hitachi or Mikasa....)
br /The Hitachi nailer has been very easy to load and ridiculously easy to use. I agree with another review on the safety glasses - they are a must because the plastic pieces from the strip fly all over the place. However, buy better safety glasses than the cheap things that come with the nailer. Also, make sure you buy a 3/4" NPT connector; this nailer does not come with one.
br /I am very, very impressed. I strongly recommend this nailer.

I'm a homeowner, and not a professional framer. I bought this nailer for a project about a month ago. The nailer has been very easy to load and use. I'll get a nail jam about once every 1000-1500 nails. To clear, just hold the nail clip back, and the bad nail falls out. Too Easy. When Amazon suggests you get a joist hanger as an accessory after your purchase, be advised it isn't designed for this nailer. You will have to drill an additional hole in the nail magazine to use two bolts on the hanger. It works well, in spite of this. A well designed and well balanced nailer, lighter that most others.

The Hitachi NR90AE Framing Nailer is a great tool. So far it is the best Framing Nailer I have used. Like the ad says, it will shoot nail into the hardest woods. It is also very durable. I have drop mine on serveral occasions and have not damaged it at all... It is very tough. I wanted the Roundhead nailer becasue some say they hold better than D nails. The plastic coated nails do at times send flying plastic chips so make sure you wear safty glass with this nailer. If I were to buy another nailer it would be a the Hitachi but the D Nailer. It will hold more nails and you don't have the flying plastic deal with... But over all this nailer is at the top. All of the functions work great and are place in the right places. If you a looking a nailer one feature that is a most is the trigger control. Having on the trigger control on nailer and not having to switch triggers out is big plus which this gun has... The depth setting works well to. The only thing missing from this nailer is a Hanger hook. This is almost a most when working in high places.... But look for a after mark one soon....

I bought this nailer from an Amazon vendor for $303 shipped to my door.
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br /I can't add much new to the previous comments, it's already been said.
br /I'm a general contractor and worked with quite a few framing nailers before, this one is the best one.
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br /Highly recommended.
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This gun is by far the most powerful framing nailer I have used. Drives 12 penny nails effortlessly through the toughest material. Lightweight makes it easy to operate all day long without fatigue. Great product.

This is my first pneumatic. I bought this because it had the most solid reviews on Amazon. I bought it when it was $309 dollars at Amazon but even at that price it was still a hundred bucks less than what the local dealer was selling it for (plus tax).
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br /Built ~300 feet of fencing, ~8000 nails and it has preformed flawlessly.
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br /Having some indoor projects coming around and I think I will be looking for at the Hitachi brad nailer.
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br //tg

I bought this gun for two reasons. Its the lightest and it beats everyone in price. I think $140 off Hitachis reconditioned site. I have used many framers and this one has held up with the best of them. Loads easy and is well balanced. There are three things you should know before buying. The adapter does not come with it and is not as easy as running to home depot some reason they dont carry the size you need. Lowes does though. Often times when you are framing you grab the clip to pick it up. Beware if you put your fingers towards the bottom inside of the track where the nails load there are two edges that are razor sharp. I mean really sharp I picked it up was using it and than realized blood was everywhere because I had sliced my fingers open without even realizing. I am refering to the inside tracks where the nails go in. Its not a place you normally grab but when you are framing at awkward angles and you are holding your framer between your legs while you position the wood you are nailing you sometimes grab the gun anyway you can to get it. Last for some reason this gun really hurts my ears. Its quieter but it hits a certain pitch that makes my head really hurt. You should always wear ear protection but every other framer I have used I have never wore any and I have done a lot of framing. Its gotten to the point that I can't even shoot 2 or 3 nails without wincing.

I love this nailer. I was concerned about working with the rough-cut seasoned oak studs in my 60 year old home. Not a problem with this powerful nailer - went right into them.

After having owned a Porter Cable nailer for years, it finally gave out. I purchased a DeWalt nailer and was unhappy with it's performance so I used it 2 days and returned it. My brother had great things to say about his older Hitachi nailers so I decided to try this one. Today was the first day and I have to admit that I am impressed. The 2 negatives are the depth adjustment is kind of a pain and the dry firing when out of nails is not good but I'll take those two minor things in exchange for other nailers jamming and multiple nail firing. The last thing you want when you're up 15 ft on a ladder is a nail jam. So far this Hitachi is number one in my book.

The best framing nailer I've had. It's very light, well designed, attractive and functional. Highly recommended. This nailer doesn't come with 3/8" NPT connector

I got this framing nailer for my husband for an early Christmas gift and he LOVES it! I personally cannot say much for it because I have not used it myself but I can say that he has not had a single complaint about the product.

Really a great nailer. It does an excellent job and I would recommend it to anyone. Amazon's price was the best I found. I do feel Hitachi should furnish a case with it.